National Embryo Donation Center

What We Do

Now in its fourth decade, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproduction technologies (ART) have been the answer to many family’s baby prayers; however, this success has created a surplus of cryopreserved human embryos (fertilized eggs) estimated at well over 625,000 in the United States. Many frozen embryos are stored for future use by biological parents, but, when they have completed their family, they must decide what to do with their remaining embryos. Donating those embryos to another infertile couple is an increasingly popular option that benefits both the genetic family and the recipient family.

Embryo donation, sometimes called embryo adoption, offers embryos the potential of life and allows the recipient mother to carry her adopted child, as well as control the prenatal environment.

While embryo donation is not for everyone, it can be an opportunity for many who have given up hope of ever raising a child. The National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) is the only non-profit, medically directed organization assisting both embryo donors and recipients. Considering embryo donation or adoption is a big decision that has both emotional and financial concerns. We invite you to browse our website and find answers to many of the questions you may have.

This material was made possible by grant #EAAPA131021-01-01 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The statements expressed are those of the grantee organization and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department.